Can I Get Short-Term Health Insurance if I Am a Non-Resident Indian (NRI)?

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), having access to reliable health insurance in India can be extremely useful during short visits, extended stays, or medical emergencies. A number of insurance companies in India today have short-term health insurance plans and travel medical insurance, which aim to address the healthcare requirements of NRIs. These plans may help in covering the costs of hospitalisation, emergency medical care, and other medical costs in India. The application process is also digital, which is convenient for NRIs to buy and manage policies online with their Indian passport and international contact details. Continue reading to learn more about the NRI Health Insurance eligibility, coverage, and key terms and conditions.

Eligibility for NRIs to Purchase Health Insurance in India

NRIs are not only eligible to buy new health insurance plans in India, but they can also continue their existing health insurance policies. However, approval is subject to the underwriting guidelines of the respective insurance company. The underwriting process assists insurance companies in assessing the risk profile of the applicant, to decide whether to provide insurance, and to estimate the extent of insurance to be provided (the amount of the premium).

When buying health insurance in India, in many cases, a medical test might be needed, particularly for senior citizens or those with pre-existing medical conditions. They are medical assessments that enable the insurer to get a precise picture of the applicant's condition. If you're an NRI staying outside of India and not able to go for the medicals, you may have to go through a comprehensive medical underwriting procedure that your insurance company has laid out. This can include details of past hospital stays, current treatments, medical history, and pre-existing conditions.

Terms and Conditions Applicable to Health Insurance for NRIs in India

It is essential to examine the terms and conditions of the medical insurance policy before buying medical insurance for NRIs in India. The following are some of the major factors:

Geographical Limit

The majority of NRI health insurance plans mainly cater to the expenses in India. Some plans will provide international coverage for emergencies, but generally, this only extends to emergency care or serious conditions. Such international coverage may also come with higher co-payment clauses and increased premiums, especially in senior citizen health insurance plans.

Thus, it is wise to thoroughly understand the policy terms and the geographical coverage of the health insurance policy before purchasing an NRI health insurance policy in India.

Limited Coverage

Indian insurance companies can provide a small sum insured amount to NRIs as compared to citizens of India. Because NRIs live abroad, their verification and risk evaluation will be more complicated since there are several factors that make them a higher risk group for the insurance company.

As a result, some insurers may restrict the sum insured or exclude certain benefits such as preventive health check-ups and wellness services from the policy coverage.

What is Covered by an NRI Health Insurance Policy?

When you receive treatment in India while you're on vacation or staying in India, an NRI health insurance plan typically pays for hospitalization costs and other medical services. The precise coverage will be defined by the conditions of the policy, but can encompass:

• Medical costs for hospitalization, and medical services associated with hospitalization, under the above policy


• Immediate medical care and swift transfer to the hospital.


• Any pre and post hospitalisation costs (if covered under the plan)


• Other benefits/services as described in the Policy conditions

Depending on the insurance company and policy, some policies may also cover daycare, ambulance, and critical illness care.